Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

Old School Camps presents Songwriting Camp 2024
Taking place on beautiful Wolfe Island this March 22-24
with songwriters Doug Paisley, Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright and Kristine Schmitt

Private room with private bathroom on-campus: $975.00+HST
Private room with shared bathroom on-campus: $850.00+HS
Shared room on-campus: $775.00+HST
Day Pass (full programming, no accommodations): $675.00+HST
Companion (accompanying a registered camper): $425.00+HST
50% of your registration fee is due within 5 days of submitting your registration, you will receive payment instructions via a confirmation email within one week of registering.

Who is teaching at camp?

Doug Paisley – “The best songwriters, like Paisley’s forebearers Gordon Lightfoot and John Prine, know how to make simple monuments out of great big and complex truths.” – Gorilla Vs Bear, www.dougpaisley.com

Jenny Whiteley – camp director, two-time Juno Award-winning songwriter, www.jennywhiteley.com

Joey Wright – Juno-nominated songwriter, chef and co-owner of Old School Camps, www.joeywright.bandcamp.com

Kristine Schmitt – Dora-nominated songwriter, performance coach and recording artist, www.kristineschmitt.bandcamp.com

What is included in your camp fee?

Two nights hotel accommodation on beautiful Wolfe Island at either Hotel Wolfe Island, the Blue Moose, or the Blue Cottage (across the street from Wolfe Island Hotel).
All meals are provided by the chef at Hotel Wolfe Island
Private songwriting session with one of your instructors and a chance to get feedback on one of your songs/ideas
Master classes with world-renowned and award-winning songwriters
Exclusive performances
Hands-on workshops covering subjects such as: how to write with others, tackling difficult subject matter, music theory made easy, getting out of your own way and making it fun, performance anxiety and much more
Song Circles and sharing in a fun and supportive space
The chance to meet other songwriters and expand your community
For campers staying off-site, your fee includes all programming and meals, just no accommodations.
For companions who are accompanying campers, your fee includes the concerts, group workshops, and all meals.
Unlimited inspiration, seriously, an all-you-can-enjoy buffet of ideas!
Where is Camp?

Camper Instruction, workshops, concerts and meals will take place at the beautiful, lakefront ‘Old School Campus’, on Wolfe Island.

Wolfe Island is a 20-minute free ferry ride from downtown Kingston for Canadians. Americans can take the ferry from New York State to the Island, as well. Ferry times and information is available here: www.visitfrontenac.ca/en/local-food/wolfe-island—ferry-schedule.aspx, www.visit1000islands.com/listing/hornes-ferry-to-canada-usa/

The Hotel Wolfe Island was recently purchased by musician H. Chris Brown and partners, and transformed into a beautiful hotel and arts space. Song Writing Camp is being presented by Old School Camps as part of the Hotel’s March Art Installation month. www.hotelwolfeisland.com

When does camp start and end?

Check-in at the Hotel Wolfe Island is between 2 and 3 PM Friday March 22nd. You will receive your self-check-in information from the hotel closer to the date of the camp.

The camp wraps up after lunch on Sunday March 24th.

Am I a good fit for this camp?

Songwriters with any level of experience are welcome! Whether you are hoping to write your first song, or you are a long-time song-smith who needs a dose of inspiration, our stellar instructors and small numbers will allow all campers to fulfill their aspirations in a fun, supportive, energizing and creative atmosphere.

There is a Steinway Grand piano at the Hotel for those who play. Please bring your instrument of choice to accompany yourself. If you do not play an instrument and would like accompaniment, please let us know and we will arrange for someone to play with you while writing or sharing your work.

A typical day at Old School Songwriting Camp…

8:00 Early Bird Coffee Time
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Mini-Workshop
11:00 Master Class, Q and A with Campers
1:00 Lunch
2:30 Master Class, Q and A with Campers
4:30 Mini-Workshop
6:00 Mini-Workshop
6:30 Dinner
8:00 Concert
9:30 Song Circle